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Fantasy author Ava Reid has released “Winterveil,” the opening installment of a planned two-book series that arrives as dark academia storytelling experiences a resurgence in popularity. Set within Valeran Academy, the young adult dystopian novel follows exceptionally talented yet morally questionable students trained to serve as strategic operatives in an extended Cold War. The narrative weaves together espionage, high-stakes competitions, and mysterious assignments among four interconnected characters navigating warfare simulations and ominous technological advances.
Reid drew creative inspiration from an unexpected source: competitive Pokémon gameplay. During the pandemic, the author became deeply engaged with the official Pokémon Video Game Championships format, immersing herself in both competitive matches and related online content. This experience proved instrumental in shaping “Winterveil’s” emphasis on strategic competition and skilled gameplay elements.
According to Reid, competitive Pokémon operates on multiple complexity levels, functioning as an intricate turn-based strategy game comparable to chess but considerably more sophisticated. The game demands mathematical precision, probability calculations, and extensive customization options, creating a richly layered competitive landscape that inspired the academy’s competitive atmosphere throughout her novel. Publisher HarperCollins positioned the book alongside literary comparisons to “The Secret History” and “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.”
Beyond “Winterveil,” Reid continues developing “Necromantica,” the anticipated sequel to her gothic fantasy novel “Innamorata.” The follow-up will feature returning and newly prominent perspectives from multiple characters central to the series.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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